Sentences with phrase «including budget watchdog groups»

Critics, including budget watchdog groups, say STAR is inefficient and has simply led to padding of school budgets, not any real decrease in property taxes for homeowners.

Not exact matches

E.J. McMahon of the watchdog group Empire Center for Public Policy wrote that the new budget includes nearly $ 500 million in «the biggest, murkiest, pork - barrel slush fund in Albany — and perhaps any state capital — has ever seen.»

Representatives from other government watchdog organizations — including New York Public Interest Group (NYPIRG), Reinvent Albany, Common Cause, and Citizens Budget Commission — told Gotham Gazette that they have not taken a position on the ballot question, but that the issue is being debated vigorously internally.

The county is struggling to close its $ 160 million budget deficit, and the Government Justice Center, which includes members of conservative government watchdog groups, says these fees are being raised for the general fund.